What does the Bible say about Black Lives Matter?

1. Overview of Human Dignity and Value

From the earliest pages of Scripture, every human being is described as made in the image of God, reflecting a sacred worth and dignity beyond measure. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). Because each person uniquely bears the likeness of the Creator, no individual or group is less valued, worthy, or significant than another. Accordingly, any movement or message that affirms the inherent value of human life resonates with these foundational biblical truths.

2. The Unity of All Humanity Under One Creator

The Bible emphasizes the unity of the human race, proclaiming that all people share one ancestry in Adam: “From one man He made every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth...” (Acts 17:26). This concept has been further corroborated by many scientific and genetic studies indicating that all humans are genetically closely related. Outside historical documents such as the writings of Josephus, as well as archaeological discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls’ confirmation of the Genesis account, reinforce the consistent biblical teaching that humanity originates from a single source. Because of this common origin, the Bible teaches that ethnic or cultural differences do not change each person’s standing as an image-bearer of God.

3. The Call to Love and Reject Partiality

Scripture calls believers to demonstrate love, compassion, and respect for one another, unequivocally condemning favoritism or prejudice. James 2:1 warns: “My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.” Elsewhere, Peter proclaims: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism...” (Acts 10:34). These verses underscore a divine concern for justice and equality in relationships. Discrimination and partiality contradict the Lord’s call to love others as oneself (Mark 12:31) and to “love one another” in such a way that it bears witness to the world (John 13:35).

4. Specific Biblical Emphasis on Justice and Righteousness

The Old Testament portrays God’s passion for justice: “But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). Believers are called to speak up “for those with no voice…defend the cause of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8–9). Furthermore, Micah 6:8 exhorts, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Such passages set a clear expectation that God’s people will care about and uphold the well-being of the oppressed, including those suffering under racial injustices.

5. Biblical Teachings Applied to Modern Questions

The phrase “Black Lives Matter” does not appear verbatim in Scripture. Nevertheless, the underlying principle—namely, that black people, like all people, are profoundly valuable—accords with the Bible’s teaching about the dignity and worth of every person. The righteous pursuit of justice and the plea for empathy toward those who experience inequity aligns with biblical commands to “do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). There is biblical precedent for standing against oppression, showing compassion, and restoring dignity to those unjustly treated, as illustrated in Jesus’s parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).

6. The Gospel’s Unifying Message in Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the One who breaks down walls of separation among people groups: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Likewise, Galatians 3:28 insists that “there is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This means the church is called to exhibit true unity among diverse individuals, demonstrating that authentic reconciliation is achieved in Christ’s redemptive work. From a spiritual standpoint, partiality or racial prejudice contradicts the gospel’s purpose of reconciling humanity to God and to one another.

7. Historical and Archaeological Considerations

Archaeological findings from regions in Africa and the Middle East, such as ancient inscriptions and manuscripts documenting trade and cultural exchange, show that ethnic diversity was recognized within the biblical world. The account of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26–40) illustrates how early church leaders welcomed believers from Africa with full acceptance and dignity, consistent with the message of global salvation. Ongoing textual scholarship, including the analyses of ancient manuscripts (e.g., the papyri and codices discovered in the 20th century), upholds the reliability of the biblical texts that call for the love of neighbor and the unity of believers across ethnic lines.

8. A Young Earth Perspective on One Human Race

Genealogies recorded in Genesis, confirmed through various ancient manuscripts and supported by historical references (including the writings of early church fathers), present a timeline that points to humanity’s recent, unified beginning. This perspective, which some interpret to span only a few thousand years from creation to the present, underscores the biblical teaching that all humans, regardless of background or color, share a common ancestry in Adam and Eve. This unity portrays humanity as part of the intelligent design by a Creator who intended all people to be seen as one family.

9. The Moral and Behavioral Implications

From a behavioral science standpoint, acknowledging the intrinsic value of every life lays a solid foundation for societal well-being. Hostility and discrimination undermine human flourishing; biblical texts repeatedly affirm that hatred, injustice, and violence toward others originate from hearts not in right standing before God (1 John 4:20). Instead, Scripture urges transformation through the love of God and neighbor, a life-changing command that surpasses empty religious ritual to generate genuine restoration within communities.

10. Practical Application for Believers

Believers are exhorted to:

• Seek biblical truth regarding human dignity.

• Stand against racial injustices or discrimination.

• Engage in compassionate, active love toward those who feel marginalized.

• Uphold justice through personal conduct, civic involvement, and church community life.

• Recognize that true unity and reconciliation hinge on the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection, which overcomes sin and division.

11. Conclusion

When asked what the Bible says about “Black Lives Matter,” the overarching message is that the lives of black individuals—and indeed all individuals—bear the unmistakable imprint of God’s image. Scripture teaches that any injustice toward a group of people violates divine guidelines for human flourishing, love, and justice. The call to pursue reconciliation, dignity, and unity that transcends ethnic labels flows directly from the gospel message that Christ’s sacrifice brings humanity back to God and to harmonious fellowship with one another. Thus, while the Bible does not mention “Black Lives Matter” by name, its entire framework establishes that black lives—and every human life—deeply matter to the Creator, who made all people in His image and calls for just and loving treatment across every continent and culture.